With a number of cars leaving the US market this year, many people might be disappointed to see some of their favorite vehicles ride off into the sunset. The silver lining is that there will be plenty of new ones to look forward to in the next 12 months, but it still begs the question: which cars being discontinued for 2021 will you miss the most?
This list is in no particular order, but of the many cars leaving the market, the following are what we think are eight of the most notable ones.
1. Mercedes-AMG GT R
Read: Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Costs As Much As Two AMG GT Rs
The AMG GT R, whose demise was confirmed a few days ago, was one of the best sports cars on the market. With its raucous 4.0-liter biturbo V8, the top-of-the-line AMG was a blast to drive, but also livable if you were willing to put up with its track-focused suspension. However, we can’t be too disappointed with its discontinuation, as Mercedes also has the Black Series and plans to fill the GT R-shaped void in their lineup by buffing up the other GT models a bit.
2. Chevrolet Impala
See: GM Builds The Last Chevrolet Impala, Exits The Large Sedan Segment In North America
While certainly not the most exciting car on this list, the Chevy Impala undoubtedly has the longest history, stretching back 62 years and only taking a break from production twice, between 1985 and 1994, and 1996 to 2000. Having earned its reputation as an everyman’s large sedan, the Impala has fallen victim to the ever-growing crossover and SUV craze. Despite the nameplate’s history, in a market with such a proclivity for these high-riding vehicles, large sedans are making increasingly less sense. As a result, Chevy is discontinuing the Impala for 2021.
3. Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 / GT350R
Watch: Which Ford Mustang Shelby Is Better At Autocross: The GT350R Or GT500?
Despite a glorious flat-plane crank V8 and great handling, the GT350 and GT350R are being discontinued to make room for the upcoming Mach 1. The latter was met with a less-than-perfect reception upon its reveal, with many saying it’s not a true Mach 1 and that it doesn’t differentiate itself enough from the GT. While we’re sad to see the GT350/R go, Ford has not stopped trying to reassure us that the Mach 1 will be a suitable replacement.
4. Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
Read More: Alfa Romeo Sends Off 4C Spider In The US With Limited 33 Stradale Tributo Edition
With the 4C Coupe having been discontinued in 2018, the convertible now follows suit. The 4C has always excelled in the “simplify, then add lightness” philosophy of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and while it’s no Lotus, the 4C Spider definitely embodies that philosophy, going so far as to not even include power steering. The car only produced 237 hp from its 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but it also only weighed 2,487 lbs. This not only allowed it to handle very well, but also be pretty quick in a straight line, all thanks to that low power-to-weight ratio. Unfortunately, it seems most people found the $67,150 price tag to be a little too steep for the featherweight Alfa and it will be discontinued for 2021.
5. BMW i8
See Also: Alpina Explains Why Its 462 HP BMW i8 Four-Cylinder Project Never Became A Reality
With its futuristic styling, the i8 stood out not just from every other BMW, but most other cars on the road. While we will miss its unique looks and all the attention they garnered, we can understand why it is being discontinued, as it didn’t really have the walk to back up the talk. Its hybrid powertrain made only 369 hp and didn’t quite deliver the performance to match the i8’s exotic appearance, leaving many potential buyers wondering why they shouldn’t just buy something that performs better for the same price.
6. Honda Civic Coupe
Read: The Death Of The Honda Civic Coupe Marks The End Of An Era
While the sedan and hatchback remain, the coupe variant of the Civic will be gone for the next generation. Being a staple of the cheap, fun performance car world, the Civic coupe and its Si variant remain fondly in the memories of many. Cheap enough to be a first car, and fun enough to be a fourth, the Civic coupe’s appeal has spread across many demographics over its lifetime. That being said, we can understand why a front-wheel-drive coupe such as the Civic is being discontinued as the segment is no longer popular.
7. Lexus GS
Driven: 2018 Lexus GS F Is Proof That Power Isn’t Everything
While the Lexus GS wasn’t too exciting, it did a very good job at what it was designed to do: be a comfortable, spacious luxury car. However, what we will really miss is the GS’ performance version, the GS F. The last of what many consider to be a traditional sport sedan, the GS F held on to its naturally aspirated V8 while its competitors turned to forced induction. Even though it made less power than its German rivals, Lexus dared to do something different from the norm. They understood that it’s not always about outright performance; sometimes it’s about the overall experience of driving the car, and in that, the GS shone. Axed to make room for the smaller and better-selling ES, the GS will likely be missed by many, and definitely by those who had the pleasure of sampling the F model.
8. Honda Fit
More: All-New Honda Fit Goes On Sale In Japan With Two Powertrains, Optional AWD
The Honda Fit was actually quite the little car. Very practical and spacious for its size, the Fit often surprised people, even its owners, about what could fit (no pun intended) inside the small hatchback. In addition, while not often talked about, it was actually a spritely little car, being able to handle pretty well due its low curb weight of about 2600 lbs. Despite everything good about it, the Fit will be discontinued for 2021 due to slow sales, and we’re sad to see it go.
What other models have been discontinued?
In addition to these eight, as listed by J.D. Power, there are many other cars being discontinued for 2021 in the United States. These include the Acura RLX, Aston Martin Rapide, Bentley Mulsanne, BMW M8, Buick Regal, Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet Sonic, Dodge Grand Caravan and Journey, Fiat 124 and 500L, Ferrari GTC4Lusso, Ford F-150 Raptor and Fusion, Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra GT, Jaguar XF Sportbrake and XE, Kia Optima, Lincoln Continental and MKZ, Mercedes-Benz SL and SLC, and the Toyota Yaris.
It should also be noted that some of these aforementioned vehicles are being discontinued only because a successor is on the cards. Such is the case with the Ford Raptor, Honda Civic Si, Kia Optima (albeit under a different name), and Mercedes-Benz SL.